Interview: 3- Star 2020 Tennessee DT Dallas Walker is an Amazing All-Around Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are certain guys on the high school gridiron who are just on a different level than everyone else. This can come in many forms from knowledge and understanding of the game, to size, speed, and/or athleticism… but every so often there is just that one guy who seems to have it all continually amazing those in the stands, and in quiet confidence, opposing coaches and players. That one person in Tennessee, maybe in the entire 2020 recruiting class, is Dallas Walker IV.
All odds are on Walker lining up in the collegiate ranks as a defensive tackle, but time will tell what he truly may become. During his junior season against 6A Tennessee competition, Walker put an end to 55 plays with 37 solo stops, eight sacks, three quarterback hurries, and forced three fumbles – all that was expected of him. But he also played offense taking time in at tight end where he snagged four passes for 54 yards with a score, but should have had three more touchdowns but lost them due to a called penalty. He also played a game at receiver and schooled an opposing corner on a four-yard out route for a two-point conversion.
At 6-4, 295-pounds, Walker has all the athleticism in the world running faster than he should, showing quickness left for linebackers, and hands for a big target in an up-tempo passing offense. In an unfair comparison, he has the same body type and skill as Eagles All-Pro left tack Jason Peters, a former collegiate tight end for the University of Arkansas, at this point in his career. That talent has been noticed by 11 collegiate teams with offers on the table: Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Ole Miss, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the MaxPreps All-American to learn more about his jaw dropping plays on the field and recruiting process off of it.
Interview
Dallas, there are so many things I want to ask you about with your play on the field. But I want to start with that sweet four-yard out route you ran for a score last season. You schooled that corner. Walk me through that play if you will?
“That was actually a play called for a two-point conversion. We missed a PAT earlier in the game and then went for two to make the score right. I had never started at that position before but we had an injury so the coaches threw me in there. I have good hands. They put me in there for that game. The week before, we were going over calls in practice. They called the play, and I did what I do best.”
Yes, you did. I have to ask. I feel for that small corner who had to go up against you. Did he say anything to you during the game or did he just stay quiet to not make you mad?
(Laughs) “He told me good job and that he was impressed. When I lined up, he did not think I could move or change direction like that. We did not talk that much during the game.”
Your mobility and speed are impressive. Going into your junior season, what all did you work on to increase your agility and quickness?
“I did a lot of ladder drills and after school I always did footwork drills. I also do a lot of power lifting in my legs. I always keep my legs good and strong. That has helped with my take off speed. I do interval training with my running. I will stride for 10 and then sprint for 10 to mix it up.”
How did that work payoff on the field for you overall in 2018?
“I think I did really well. My sophomore year, I played linebacker. The looks between linebacker and end, that has helped my instincts. When we lift, we do heavy lifting and reps – rapid fire. That helped me shedding blocks. Doing squats has helped me a lot. My freshman year I squatted 395. I got 505 my sophomore year. I have not maxed since then, but we are maxing out in two weeks. All of that work has made me faster. It is easier to get lower and control linemen.”
On defense, which areas of your game showed the biggest improvement?
“My fire off and my hands improved as well. My freshman year, I was a dog out there. I did not try to read plays, I just put a shoulder down and ran through guys. I am more patient now and I am more hands-on and technically sound. I squeeze down to help linebackers make plays.”
What about on offense, where did you see your game grow on that side of the ball?
“This was my first year playing offense. As a kid. I was too big to play receiver. I love to catch the ball, juke guys, and score touchdowns. My hands improved the most last season. All spring, the entire season, I think I dropped two or three balls between all the games and all the practices. My catching is most improved.”
Which side of the ball and position do you like playing the most?
“I don’t think I can pick. I love both sides. To me, it does not matter where I play. I have played all the positions. I have a love for the game, I will play wherever.”
Is there an area of your game that you feel gets overlooked?
“My ability to play on offense. My abilities to catch the ball and block. I can make moves that smaller guys can make.”
If Dallas the tight end was going up against Dallas the end/outside linebacker, who wins the battle?
“Ahh, I would give it to the defense. Me being so big, and I am fast for my size. There is no stopping me at end. It is very hard to block me. On defense, that is a different gear for me. I am ready to knock someone’s head off on defense.”
Are you going to any national camps upcoming?
“Yes, sir. I am going to the Under Armour All-American Camp in Atlanta and the Nike Opening Regional in Nashville. I am also looking at the Adidas Three-Stripe in St. Louis.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving a lot of interest from Memphis, Kentucky, Purdue, North Carolina, South Carolina, Notre Dame, Clemson, LSU, Arkansas – you name it. There are a lot of schools are talking to me.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 11 offers.”
Have you taken any recent visits?
“Yes. I have been to Memphis, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Louisville.”
How did the Memphis visit go?
“It went great. They took us on a tour, tried on the full uniform, and they had great hospitality, I had a good time up there.”
What Kentucky, how did that trip go?
“That visit also went well. That was really nice. They said a lot of good things said I wanted to hear. They were talking about me coming in as a freshman with a role. They have good things to offer. Coach (Michael) Smith was asking when I will be back when I was there.”
And Tennessee, how did that go?
“It went well. I like what they are doing up there. I know they are rebuilding. They have hired a lot of great new coaches. They are doing good things up there.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take coming up?
“Yes. I plan on visiting Virginia Tech, Arkansas, and Purdue – all unofficials.”
Have you started looking at any official visits?
“I am talking to Penn State about an official and one official to Kentucky.”
What do you feel sets you apart from other Class of 2020 players at your given positions on the field?
“I think it is my drive that makes me different. I have the highest drive in weight room and on the field. My leadership is another thing. I am not focused on myself. I focus on everyone around me making sure they are doing what they need to do and playing their roles so I can play my role as well.”
What type of student-athlete is Dallas Walker?
“I am a great student-athlete. I did not take my freshman year as serious as I should have. But since then, I have been on top of my school work. My last report card I had four “As” and two “B’s”.”
Dallas, it was great speaking with you today. Keep working hard and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
*After you contribute to the site, see for yourself, click the link for Dallas Walker’s Hudl reel
Photo credit: Walker family; Dallas Walker at Tennessee and Memphis